The Gift of Grapes

It’s inevitable that you’re going to give a bottle of wine at some point during the season, especially with the spate of holiday parties you’ll be sure to attend.

Wine can be a great gift, but it’s best to be prepared as the giver. If you don’t know wine, the bottle you bring can just end up unopened on the shelf for years. Also, remember that wine is a gift and don’t expect the recipient to open the bottle and share it with you, said Maureen Christian Petrosky, a sommelier and author of “The Wine Club.”

Since it is a gift, don’t bring it naked or with a price tag. “A simple ribbon says it all,” she says.

Also, we’re often confounded about the price and how much to spend. Petrosky says there are plenty of nice bottles ranging from $10 to $25 dollars, a completely appropriate price for a hostess gift.

“Be creative and match their personality to the bottle,” she says. “For example, I find Viognier to be a perfect gift for a best friend or mom on Mother's Day. It's feminine and therapeutic to sip. On the other hand, I would choose a robust red, like Syrah, to give to a male co- worker.”

Finally, don’t bring the wine chilled because that assumes it will be opened that night. Best bet is to bring it at room temperature.